Sheet delivering apparatus

ABSTRACT

A slitting and scoring apparatus having a feedboard from which the sheets of stock are adapted to be drawn by means of a reciprocating table which slides from a first position generally beneath the feedboard to a second position generally to the side of it. The table grips the sheets by means of vacuum apertures thereon and draws them beneath the series of laterally aligned scoring or slitting knives. A pair of vacuum ports are provided adjacent a shoulder on the feedboard for sensing proper stock alignment by means of a vacuumstat. The sensing of proper alignment enables operation of the knives and, additionally, the sucker assembly which removes the sheets from the table at the end of its delivery stroke. The sucker assembly is mounted on a reciprocating carriage adapted to come into contact with the surface of the table at the termination of its delivery stroke. The sucker assembly has a plurality of vacuum cups activated selectively as it comes into contact with the table and these vacuum cups grip the slit stock strips and retain them such that the reciprocating table slides out from under them on its return stroke. The sheet is then dropped onto a platform, the height of which adjusts automatically depending upon the thickness of the stack of papers. The adjustment means for the platform comprise a ratchet mechanism and a stack-thickness sensing mechanism mounted for reciprocal movement with the sucker assembly carriage. It is to be understood that this abstract is not to be utilized to limit the scope of this invention.

United States Patent [72] inventor James A. Black 13700 Sparta N.W., Kent City. Mich. 49330 1211 Appl. No. 871,374 [22] Filed Oct. 28,1969

Ditision ufSer. 510.676.264.001. 18. 1967. Pat. \u. 3.501. 86 [45] Patented June 22, 1971 [54] SHEET DELIVERING APPARATUS 2 Claims, 15 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. CL... 271/88 [51] lnt.C1 B65h 29/34 [50] Field oisearch 271/88, 26, 1 1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,171,011 2/1916 Young 27l/26UX 2,017,044 10/1935 Grafet al. 271/88 2,393,254 1/1946 Leifer 271/88 3,041,065 6/1962 Kretz 271/26 X 2,788,131 4/1957 Bergstrom et al.. 271/88 3,194,417 7/1965 Dunsmore et a] 271/26 X Primary Examiner-Joseph Wegbreit AnornzyPrice,1-1eneveld, Huizenga and Cooper ABSTRACT: A slitting and scoring apparatus having a feedboard from which the sheets of stock are adapted to be drawn by means of a reciprocating table which slides from a first position generally beneath the feedboard to a second position generally to the side of it. The table grips the sheets by means of vacuum apertures thereon and draws them beneath the series of laterally aligned scoring or slitting knives. A pair of vacuum ports are provided adjacent a shoulder on the feedboard for sensing proper stock alignment by means of a vacuumstat. The sensing of proper alignment enables operation of the knives and, additionally, the sucker assembly which removes the sheets from the table at the end of its delivery stroke.

The sucker assembly is mounted on a reciprocating carriage adapted to come into contact with the surface of the table at the termination of its delivery stroke. The sucker assembly has a plurality of vacuum cups activated selectively as it comes into contact with the table and these vacuum cups grip the slit stock strips and retain them such that the reciprocating table slides out from under them on its return stroke. The sheet is then dropped onto a platform, the height of which adjusts automatically depending upon the thickness of the stack of papers. The adjustment means for the platform comprise a ratchet mechanism and a stack-thickness sensing mechanism mounted for reciprocal movement with the sucker assembly carriage. It is to be understood that this abstract is not to be utilized to limit the scope of this invention.

PATENTEHJUNMBH 3,586,319

SHEET 1 OF 6 BY W @wl flgaw Arzzwwn SHEET DELIVERING APPARATUS This is a divisional application of parent application Ser. No. 676,264, filed Oct. 18, 1967, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,50l,986, and entitled SLI'I'TING AND SCORING AP- PARATUS.

BACKGROUND In the processing of paper stock and the like it is often desirable to print or emboss the stock in sheets and thereafter slit or score the sheets to the particular individual dimensions desired. Thus, for example, it would not be unusual for a printing plate or silk screen to be set up in such a manner as to print a plurality of identical cards, signs or the like on a single sheet of stock and, after printing, slice the sheet of stock into separate pieces, each having imprinted thereon an identical or differing impression.

In the past, the machines which have been available to slit the stock after printing have consisted of a pair of parallel, vertically displaced shafts having rubber rollers thereon, at least some of the rollers being powered. The sheet is fed between the rubber rollers which drive it into contact with slitting or scoring knives which make the desired cut in the stock.

Many problems have been encountered in the utilization of these types of slitting devices. Initially, it is virtually impossible to insure that the operator will feed the sheet of stock between the rollers in correct lateral and longitudinal alignment to the slitting knives. Any misalignment, of course, causes the cut to be made across the face of the individual cards, signs or the like and, in effect, ruins the entire sheet of stock. Where the printing or embossing and the stock are of "top quality, the resulting loss represents a marked increase in the expenses incurred in fulfilling a particular order.

Even if the sheet is properly aligned during its initial insertion between the rollers, devices in the past have furnished no satisfactory means whereby the individual strips may be removed from the device and stacked without danger of smudging, tearing or the like. Such smudging and tearing, of course, again results of loss of ,a part of or the entire sheet of stock and the consequent loss of the time and money invested therein.

OBJECTS AND SPECIFICATION It is an object of this invention therefore, to provide an apparatus for slitting or scoring sheets of the type described embodying a novel alignment feature which insures that the sheet is properly aligned prior to its being contacted by the operative elements which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, comprise slitting or scoring mechanisms.

More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a device of the type described wherein activation or enabling of the slitter knives is dependent upon a previous proper alignment of the sheet of stock on the feedboard and, thus, wherein the sheet will not be .contacted and slit by the operative mechanisms if proper alignment has not been achieved initially.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a novel mechanism for drawing the stock into operative relationship with the operative components such as knives or the like wherein the sheet is contacted only on the rear surface, thus insuring that the printed side will not be smudged or otherwise defaced during passage through the apparatus.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a feedboard and delivery mechanism embodying a novel stop assembly at the end of the feedboard against which the operator may abut the stock when placing it on the feedboard and, thus, which permits passage of the stock through the apparatus only at the proper moment in the operating cycle.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the type described wherein the individual strips, after being slit or scored, are removed from the transfer mechanism positively and stacked in orderly fashion within the apparatus, a receiving platform being provided for the deposit of the processed sheets.

It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus embodying novel means for adjusting the height of the stock receiving platform in response to the thickness of the stack thereon to permit the vertical spacing between the transfer mechanism and the top of the stack to be minimized for orderly stacking.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a device of the type described wherein the mechanism for receiving the slit sheets from the transfer device is automatically inactivated in the event that a proper alignment has not been achieved either initially or during passage of the stock through the apparatus, thus insuring that the stock will not be smudged or otherwise defaced and, additionally, preventing damage to the removing mechanism resulting from direct contact with the transfer device.

These as well as other objects of this invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art with reference to the following specification and accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus which is the subject of this invention; I

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, plan view illustrating the upper details of the knife-actuating and stop assemblies;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view; 7

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the platform-dropping rachet assembly;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, plan view of the platform-dropping rachet assembly;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the main drive assembly;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, schematic view of the feedboard, table and stop assemblies;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, broken, schematic illustration of the upper portions of the knife actuation assembly;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, schematic view of the sucker assembly override system in the prevent mode of operation;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, schematic view of the sucker override system illustrating it in its "enabling mode of operation;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, schematic side elevational view of the platform and adjustment assembly therefor;

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the vacuum and electrical control components; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a modified embodiment of the invention.

Briefly, the novel apparatus comprises a feedboard assembly, a transfer mechanism assembly, a stop assembly for limiting the distance which the stock may be inserted into the apparatus by the operator to insure its reception at the proper time in the operational cycleby the transfer mechanism, a reciprocal carriage for seizing the stock from the transfer device and a platform upon which the stock drops as the transfer device returns to its initial position. Means are provided for disabling both the knife assembly and/or the removal mechanism in the event that proper alignment of the stock is not achieved initially or during its passage through the apparatus.

Referring now to the figures, a preferred embodiment of this invention will be illustrated in detail. The novel apparatus which forms the subject of this invention, as illustrated best in FIGS. the and 3, comprises a frame assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 having a plurality of uprights ll, longitudinal supports 12 and crossmembers 13. The exterior of the apparatus is shielded by a plurality of side panels 14 which, preferably, are removable to permit servicing of the working components.

The feedboard assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, comprises a slanted board member 21 having an upstanding guide 22 affixed to one side thereof. Referring additionally to FIG. 14, the board 21 has a series of two alignment apertures 23 drilled in the surface thereof closely adjacent upstanding guide or stop 22. The apertures 23 commute via ports 24 to connecting lines 25. The lines 25 are connected to a vacuumstat 26, the function of which will become apparent hereinafter. Alignment apertures 23 should be of limited diameter and closely abut the stop 22. Merely by way of example, apertures having a diameter of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch have proved satisfactory.

The feedboard assembly is shiftable laterally of the apparatus by means of lateral adjustment 27 and track 28 (see FIG. 3). This adjustment consists of an elongated threaded rod suitably journaled on the frame of the apparatus. The board engages this threaded rod by means of suitably tapped supports and, when the adjustment assembly is rotated, the board shifts either into or out of the paper as viewed in FIG. 3 depending upon the particular turning direction.

The reciprocating table assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 9) comprises a planar table 31 slidably borne on one side of the apparatus by means ofa support rail 32 and linear bearing 33. The opposite side of the table is supported by an elongated support rack 37 upon which a pair of series of rollers 38 is adapted to rest rotatably. The lead extremity of table 31 is provided with a plurality of suction ports 34 (see also FIG. 14) to which vacuum is supplied by means of line 35. The presence or absence of vacuum at suction ports 34 is controlled by means of a cam-operated valve 36 to be discussed hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 5 and 8, the main drive assembly 40 comprises a lateral shaft 41 suitably journaled by means of pillow-block bearings as indicated at 42 in FIG. 8. Moving from left to right, as viewed in FIG. 8, the shaft has positioned thereon and affixed for rotation therewith a spacing collar 43, a paper stop cam 44, a knife assembly cam 45, a platform height control cam 46, a drive sprocket 47, a sucker valve cam 48, a table valve cam 49, a sucker assembly lift cam 50 and a table slide eccentric 51. The table slide eccentric 51 is mounted on the outside of support bearing 42 such that a connecting arm is free to move eccentrically in response thereto without interference from shaft 41.

Continuous rotational thrust is transmitted to shaft 41 from an electric motor 52 by means of a conventional speed reduction box 54. Motor 52 and speed-reduction box 54 are connected by a V-belt 53 and sprocket 47 is connected to the speed-reduction box by means of drive chain 55. Vacuum pressure for the system is provided by means of a vacuum pump motor 56 rotatably connected to a vacuum pump 57. Conveniently, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the drive motor 52, speed-reduction box 54, vacuum pump 57 and vacuum pump motor 56 may be generally laterally aligned with the apparatus. I

The table drive assembly 60, illustrated best in FIGS. 3 through 5, comprises a table link 61 pivotably connected to the forwardmost of the table slide bearings 33 as indicated at 62. The opposite extremity of table link 61 is connected by means of a lost-motion interconnection 66 to table drive arm 63. The opposite extremity of table drive arm 63 is afiixed to a shaft 64 suitably journaled as indicated at 65 across the machine framework 10. An adjustment screw 67 is provided to control the setting of the lost-motion connection 66.

Reciprocal thrust is transmitted to table drive arm 63 via a thrust arm 68 connected to the extremity of eccentric 51 as indicated at 70. The opposite extremity of thrust arm 68 is pivotably connected to table dn've arm 63 as indicated at 69. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, as shaft 41 rotates, the table assembly 30 slides along support rail 32 and track 37 in reciprocal fashion from the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 3 to the position shown in fragmentary phantom and indicated by the reference numeral 30'. At this point, table assembly 30 pauses momentarily due to the action to lost-motion interconnection 66 and then returns to the position shown in solid lines for another cycle.

The stop or limit assembly 80, illustrated best in FIGS. 1 through 4, 8 and 9, comprises a shaft 81 suitably journaled at either extremity of the machine above the rearward edge of feedboard assembly 20. Affixed to the shaft and rotatable therewith are a plurality of elongated arms 82 having detents 83 on the extremities thereof. The detents 83, in their relaxed position, abut the surface of table assembly 30 as illustrated in FIG. 9 and serve as a stop for paper sheets or the like when they are positioned on the feedboard. If necessary, a tension spring may be utilized to bias the detents into this position.

The shaft 81 is selectively rotated to lift the arms 82 and, thus, the detents 83 by means of a connecting rod 84. The shaft-removed extremity of connecting rod 84 is connected to a thrust transmitting arm 85 which is slidably journaled about main drive shaft 41 by means of guides 87 in operative relationship with respect to the paper stop cam 44. Thrust is transferred from cam 44 to arm 85 by means of a conventional roller 88. Thus, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, movement is transferred from shaft 41 to shaft 81 causing the paper stop or limit detents 83 to selectively raise and lower during prescribed periods in the machine cycle depending upon the surface configuration of cam 44.

The knife assembly 90, illustrated best in FIGS. 1 through 5, 8 10 and 14, comprises a shaft 91 suitably borne on the machine frame adjacent and rearwardly of stop shaft 81. Affixed to shaft 91 for rotation therewith are a pair of slitter bar connectors 92 and a slitter bar 93, preferably rectangular in cross section, is affixed to the extremities thereof by means of retainers 94. Affixed to slitter bar 93 are a plurality of individual knife assemblies preferably fabricated in accordance with the teachings of copending application Ser. No. 595,099 filed Nov. I7, 1966 and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. The slitter or knife assemblies are laterally adjustable with respect to bar 93 such that the width of the various cuts to be made on the stock may be readily adjusted.

Rotational thrust is transmitted to the knife shaft 91 by means of slitter lever 95. The lever-powering drive arm 100 has an inverted L-shaped aperture in the upper reach thereof into which a retaining pin 10] protrudes from lever 95. Aperture 96 has a portion 97 generally parallel to the path of reciprocation of drive arm 100 and a second portion 98 generally transverse thereto. Reciprocal movement is imparted to drive arm 100 by means of the knife-actuation cam 45. The lower extremity of shaft 100 has a pair of guides 102 affixed thereto which slidably receive shaft 41. A roller 103 runs along the periphery of cam 45 causing drive arm 100 to reciprocate in response to the surface configuration thereof.

As noted, drive arm 100 ordinarily reciprocates along a path indicated generally by the reference numeral 104 in FIG. 10. A tension spring 105 biases the drive arm 1100 in clockwise fashion as viewed in FIG. 10 such that, as arm 100 is reciprocated, pin 101 merely slides up and down in the parallel portion 97 of aperture 96 and no cranking motion is transmitted to lever 95. A second tension spring 106, is provided for biasing the slitter lever in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 10. This bias tends to rotate shaft 91 to its rearmost position which, in turn, lifts the slitter bar 93 and the knife assemblies suspended thereon away from operative engagement with reciprocating table assembly 30.

A solenoid 107 is positioned between the frame 10 and drive arm in such fashion that, when activated, it draws drive arm 100 in counterclockwise fashion about shaft 102 and causes the pin 101 integrally connected to lever 95 to slide into the transverse portion 98 of aperture 96. The solenoid 108, of course, has sufiicient thrust to selectively overcome tension spring when activated in the direction indicated generally by the reference numeral 108. When arm 100 is reciprocated by cam mechanism 45 in an upward direction as viewed in FIG. 10 with the pin 101 in portion 98 of aperture 96, the thrust is transmitted to lever 95 causing shaft 91 and the slitter bar 93 affixed thereto to rotate clockwise bringing the knife assemblies 99 into contact with the surface of reciprocating table assembly 30 and, thus, into slitting relationship with any paper or the like which may be positioned thereon. The cam 45, of course, is constructed such that the knives are held in operative engagement with respect to reciprocating table assembly 30 during the proper portion of the machine cycle.

Also positioned in operative relationship with respect to drive arm 100 is a microswitch indicated generally by the reference numeral 109 in FIG. 10. As will become apparent hereinafter, microswitch 109 functions to sense activation of solenoid 107 via movement of arm 100 in counterclockwise fashion about shaft 41. The signal thus generated is transmitted to the sucker assembly override system to be discussed hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the sucker assembly 120 comprises a pair of upright frame members 121 slidably mounted by means of pins 122 and pin supports 123 within the rearward section of the machine framework 10. The uprights 121 each have a series of two slots vertically positioned therealong into which pins 122 protrude and slidably mate with. Lateral support for the carriage assembly 120 is provided by suitable crossmembers 118.

Extending forwardly from the carriage assembly 120 are a pair ofsucker support arms 125 and the sucker assemblies 126 are suspended therebetween by any conventional means such as a rod or the like. Each of the sucker assemblies 126 has a suction cup type lower extremity 127 and vacuum is supplied thereto by means of tubes 119 from vacuum supply duct 129. Preferably, the vacuum connections between sucker assemblies 126 and conduit 129 should be easily disassembled and capped in order that certain of these cups 127 may be deactivated to conform to varying paper widths being slit by the machine. Similarly, the individual sucker assemblies 126 should be slidable laterally of the machine in order to make proper adjustment for varying width slits, as will become apparent hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 5 and 8, the sucker carriage assembly drive 130 comprises a lateral shaft 131 suitably journaled at either side of the frame for rotation Extending rearwardly from shaft 31 and affixed for rotation therewith are a series of two or more arms 132. The reach of arms 132 is such that they protrude beneath the sucker carriage assembly 120 and bear upwardly thereagainst via rollers 133 suitably affixed to the uprights 121. Shaft 131 is provided with a crank 134 pivotably journaled to a connecting drive arm 135. Drive arm 135, as shown best in FIG. 4, has guides 136 slidably received by shaft 41 and a roller 137 adapted to selectively reciprocate arm 135 in response to the configuration of the periphery of cam 50. Thus, as arm 135 is reciprocatcd, the lift arms 132 bear against rollers 133 to selectively lift and lower the sucker carriage assembly 120, the assembly being stabilized by the slidable connection between pins 122 and slots 124.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5, 8, 11, 12 and 14, the sucker carriage assembly override system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 150, comprises an upstanding rocker arm 151 pivotably mounted to the framework 10 of the machine as indicated at 152. Rocker arm 151 has a cylindrical protruding bearing member 153 extending inwardly from the upper reach thereof and the rocker arm is positioned such that bearing member 153 is pivotable to a position beneath one of the upright frame members 121 on sucker carriage assembly 120. In this position, as indicated in FIG. 11, the carriage is prevented from sliding its full reach downwardly and, as will become apparent hereinafter, the cups 127 prevented from coming into contact with reciprocating table assembly 30.

The rocker arm 151 is biased to the prevent" position shown in FIG. 11 by means of tension spring 159. The rocker arm is caused to pivot about its mount 152 by means of drive arm 155 connected thereto by means of a solid connecting bar 154. The other extremity of arm 155, as shown best in FIG. 3, is pivotably affixed to the lower reach of the table drive arm 63 as indicated at 156. The connection between bar 154 and drive arm 155 is formed by an elongated slot 157 in the extremity of arm 155 and a suitable pin 158 slidable in slot 157 afiixed to bar 154. As the drive shaft 41 rotates and, thus, arm 155 reciprocates, the bias spring 159 will bias arm 151 to the furthest clockwise position (as viewed in FIG. 11) allowed by the reach of arm 155. A solenoid 160 is provided, however,

for selectively overcoming the influence of bias spring 159 and retaining the arm 151 and, thus, the stop 153 in a neutral position. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the solenoid is activated, arm 153 is retained in its neutral position and the thrust from drive arm 155 is absorbed by the sliding of pin 158 within slot 157. In this particular situation, the sucker assembly carriage 120 is permitted to slide downwardly to the complete extent permitted by the length of slots 124.

The receiving platform assembly 170, illustrated best in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 13, comprises a pair of two laterally spaced upright tracks 171 suitably affixed to the machine frame 10. A table 172 is slidably affixed to tracks 171 by means of two pairs of depending arms or supports 173 from which extend suitably journaled compression rollers 174. Each of the pairs of compression rollers, as shown in FlG. 13, effectively sandwiches the track 171 such that the counterclockwise moments created by stacks of paper on the table 172 do not interfere with the vertical sliding freedom thereof.

The table 172 is vertically supported along tracks 171 by means of cable 176 affixed to the framework 10 by means of a conventional turnbuckle 178. Cable 176 passes beneath a pulley 177 suitably journaled to the depending table supports 173 and the free extremity is wrapped around the shaft 175, suitably journaled between the frame members of the machine. Of course, a roller 177 is provided at either side of the table assembly and two cables, each having their free extremities wrapped about shaft 175, bear the weight of the table. Thus, as viewed best in FIG. 13, as shaft is rotated clockwise, the effective length of cable 176 is reduced and the table moves toward the position shown in phantom. As shaft 175 is rotated counterclockwise, the effective length of cable 176 is increased and the table is lowered within the apparatus,

Because the widths of material being slit may vary it is desirable to provide some type of barrier against which the stacks of slit sheets may rest during operation of the machine to prevent the individual piles of slit material from falling sideways onto unused portions of table 172. One such arrangement which has proved satisfactory is illustrated in FIG. 13 and indicated generally by the reference numeral 180. The paper guide assembly comprises a base frame member 181 slidably journaled on rod 182 and threadably journaled on rod 183 such that, as rod 183 is rotated, the frame will move selectively into or out of the paper and, thus, laterally across the machine. A plurality of upstanding fingers are affixed to frame member 181 and these fingers pass through suitable slots 179 in table 172. One of the extremities of threaded shaft 183 is exposed at the side of the machine and crank 184 (see FIG. 1) is provided for selectively rotating .it by the operator. The paper guide assembly is vertically stationary but laterally movable. When table 172 is lowered or raised, the working length of the fingers 185 is increased or decreased by the change in relative position of the table 172 with respect to the base 181. By rotating the crank 184, the fingers may be moved either toward or away from the viewer as viewed in FIG. 1 to accommodate varying widths of sheet material as will become apparent hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5 through 7 and 13, the platform height adjustment assembly comprises a connecting arm 191 having guides 192 slidably engaging shaft 41 and a roller 193 for selectively reciprocating it under the influence of the peripheral shape of cam 46. The rearward extremity of arm 191 passes through a guide assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 194 and is biased forwardly or toward shaft 41 by means of a tension spring 195. A bellcrank arrangement 196 is pivotably connected to a stationary upstanding pillar 197. One of the links of bellcrank 196 is pivotably connected to a pawl 198 which, additionally, is also pivotably connected to the rearward extremity of arm 191 (see FIG. 6).

Slidably mounted in guides 199 is a slide bar 200 having a stop bar 201 overlaying its rearward surface area. The pivotable latch assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 202, comprises a latch member 203 biased upwardly by means of spring 204. The latch assembly 202 is pivotably mounted to the frame at 206 and has positionedthereon a bearing cylinder 207 adapted to be engaged by the rearward extremity of slide bar 200. Thus, when slide bar 200 moves rearwardly or the right as viewed in FIGS. 6 and 7, the latch assembly 202 is pivoted in clockwise fashion as viewed in FIG. 7. A tension spring 214 biases the latch assembly to the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Mounted in side-by-side relationship with respect to latch 203 is a stop 205 having a forward configuration similar to that of latch 203. Both latch 203 and stop 205 pivot selectively beneath the teeth of rachet gear 208 under the influence of slide bar 191. Thus, as arm 191 moves to the right as viewed in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pawl 198 selectively engages stop bar 201 pushing slide bar 200 rearwardly. The rearward extremity of slide bar 200 bears against bearing cylinder 207 causing the entire latch assembly 202 to pivot in clockwise fashion. The latch 203 slides out from under the rachet tooth but the rachet is maintained in position by means of stop 205 which has simultaneously slid therebeneath. As the inner edge of latch 203 clears the gear tooth, it flips upwardly under the influence of spring 204. As arm 191 is withdrawn, the latch assembly 202 pivots counterclockwise under the influence of tension spring 214 and, as stop 205 passes out from beneath the tooth, the rachet and shaft 175 is allowed to rotate until the succeeding tooth comes into contact with latch 203 and pushes it downwardly against bias spring 204 to its original position.

The shaft 175 rotates, of course, under the influence of the weight of platform assembly 170 transmitted thereto via cables 176 (see FIG. 13). The adjustment thus obtained is relatively large and, therefore, it is not desirable that the platform lower a full rachet tooth each time a sheet of paper or other material is run through the machine. In order to prevent such rotation, a connecting arm 209 connects the rear extremity of bellcrank 196 via a right angle pivot 210 affixed to the frame to the vertically reciprocating sucker carriage assembly 120. One of the upright supports 121 has a vertically adjustable screw 212 afflxed thereto by means of an arm. As the sucker assembly reciprocates, the bearing member or bolt 212 strikes right angle pivot 210 causing it to pivot about point 211 on the frame. This moves connecting rod 209 to the left as viewed in FIG. 6 causing the bellcrank arrangement 196 to pivot in clockwise fashion about pillar 197. This pivoting, in turn, lifts dog 198 such that, as arm 191 initiates its rearward stroke, the pawl 198 does not engage the stop bar 201 and, thus, slide bar 200 is not moved to the right (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the latch assembly 202 is not pivoted during that particular cycle and a lowering of the paper receiving platform is not effected.

As will become more apparent in connection with the description of the operation of the apparatus, infra, the vertical drop of the sucker carriage assembly 120 varies under the influence of the number of stock strips piled upon platform assembly 170 or, more accurately, upon the depth of the pile in relationship to the platform vertical position. When the paper stack reaches a predetermined point the weight of the carriage 120 is carried by the resting of the individual sucker assemblies 126 upon the stacks of paper and the carriage is not lowered a sufficient distance to cause bearing member 212 to strike right angle pivot 210. Under these conditions, the rachet is tripped to lower the basket or platform assembly 170 another notch.

Referring now to the figures in their entirety and, particularly, to FIG. 14, the operation of the apparatus will be described. initially, the operator adjusts the spacing of knife assemblies 99 along slitter bar 93 such that the longitudinal cuts will be made at the correct lateral positions on the stock when it is fed into the machine with one edge butted against stop 22 on feed table assembly 20. As shown in the copending application noted previously, this adjustment may be affected by merely loosening a set screw on each of the knife assemblies, sliding it to the desired position and retightening the set screw. Next, the operator adjusts the lateral position of the sucker assemblies 126 such that, depending upon the width of the stock to be slit, one or more of the suction cups 127 is provided for each of the stock widths after slitting. These suction devices which are not being utilized must be disabled at this time in order to prevent damage to them resulting from gripping the reciprocating table assembly 30. As noted previously, such disabling may be easily accomplished by merely disconnecting and capping the vacuum hoses 119 from the suction assemblies or from the duct 129.

Once proper adjustment of the knife assemblies and sucker device has been effected, the apparatus is activated by supplying current to motors 52 and 56 Motor 52 causes shaft 41 to commence rotation which is continuous throughout the period of operation of the apparatus and motor 56 rotates vacuum pump 57 to supply vacuum pressure to the various components of the machine. Under the influence of the rotation of shaft 41, the reciprocating table assembly 30 will reciprocate along rail 32 and track 37 between the position shown in solid and phantom in FIG. 3. The sucker carriage assembly 120, additionally, will reciprocate up and down continually. The timing of the two movements is such, of course, that the individual suckers 127 are elevated above table 31 when it reaches its rearwardmost position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2.

When the table reaches its most rearward point indicated in phantom in FIG. 2, it will pause momentarily under the influence of lost-motion connection 66 to allow the suckers 126 to be lowered thercagainst without smearing or otherwise smudging the stock. During this period, of course, when no stock is being fed into the machine, the solenoid 160 on the sucker override system is not activated and, therefore, arm 152 pivots clockwise as viewed in FlG. 3 during each stroke of the machine to prevent the sucker carriage from dropping completely onto reciprocating table 31. This override prevents engagement of the table by the individual suction cups 127 which, obviously, would mutilate them when the table reciprocated forwardly toward the operator on its return stroke.

The operator places a sheet of stock, indicated generally by the reference numeral 220 in FIG. 9, onto the feedboard assembly 20 and pushes it rearwardly toward the right-hand side of the machine as viewed in FIG. 3 and into longitudinal abutment with upstanding stop 22. The rearward pushing of the stock causes its rearward edge to abut the detents 83 on stop assembly which, as this time, are in their downwardmost position. As the stock is slid laterally against upstanding stop 22 and, thus, into proper alignment with the knife assemblies, the two vacuum ports 23 will be closed by the overlying stock. Ports 23 in feedboard assembly 20 are sufficiently small that they are not closed unless the stock abuts the stop 22 along its entire longitudinal length.

The closing of ports 23 and, thus, the proper alignment of the stock is sensed by vacuumstat 26 which activates the knife solenoid 107 and, thus, moves arm (see FIG. 10) counterclockwise about shaft 102 such that pin 101 comes into the transverse section 98 of aperture 96 therein. At the same time, the reciprocating table assembly 30 commences its rearward or delivery run towards the right as viewed in FIG. 3. At this point, three distinct functions are executed by the machine. First, the cam actuated valve 36 is depressed by cam 49 causing the suction ports 34 on the rearward edge of the table to be activated. Second, the stop assembly 80 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 3 to lift the detents 83 and allow the stock to proceed rearwardly with table 30, it being secured thereto by the suction ports 34. Finally, the arm 100, which has been triggered into operative position by solenoid 107, moves upwardly causing the knife assemblies 97 to bear against the stock which is slit as the table assembly 30 moves rearwardly. Each of these particular functions continues, of course, until the feedboard 30 reaches its rearwardmost point indicated in phantom by the reference numeral 30' in H6. 3.

During the interval in which reciprocating table assembly 30 is moving toward the right as viewed in FIG. 3, the sucker assembly carriage is lifted by the rotation of shaft 131 to its uppermost point. As the table reaches its rearwardmost position and pauses under the influence of lost-motion connection 66, the sucker assembly lowers and the suction cups 27 come into contact with the rear edges of the stock strips. The manifold 129 has been activated by the depression of cam actuated valve 128 by cam 48. Simultaneously, the vacuum pressure on table ports 34 is removed by the closing of cam actuated valve 36 and, therefore, the paper strips are retained by the suction cups 127 as the table reciprocates to its initial starting position.

The sucker carriage 120 is allowed to drop a sufficient distance for the suction cups 127 to contact the stock on table 30 by the triggering of solenoid 160 which prevents activation of the override assembly 150. Solenoid 160 is actuated by microswitch 109 when the arm 100 pivots counterclockwise about shaft 41. Thus, in effect, the sensing ofproper alignment by vacuumstat 26 activates both the knife actuation solenoid 107 and the sucker assembly override solenoid 160.

As the table assembly 30 returns to its initial position on the left as viewed in FIG. 3, the paper strips fall from the rearward edge of the table onto the receiving platform 170. They are maintained in alignment by proper prepositioning of the paper guide assembly 180 as noted previously. The rearward edges of the strips are brought into abutment with the pile by the lowering of sucker assembly carriage 120. At this point, of course, the vacuum manifold 129 is deactivated by valve 128.

If the stacks of paper on platform 170 are relatively low, the downward progression of sucker assembly carriage 120 will not be impeded by its weight being transferred to the paper stacks from suction assemblies 126. In this particular case, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bolt or bearing member 212 will strike right angle pivot 210 causing the pawl 198 to be lifted up and over the stop 201 during the rearward traverse of arm 19!. If, on the other hand, the height of the paper stack relative to the present platform position exceeds a predetermined limit, the weight of the sucker carriage assembly will be borne on its down stroke by the stacked paper and the entire length of slots 124 in the reciprocating sucker assembly will not be utilized. In this particular situation, the bolt or bearing member 212 will not strike right angle pivot 210 with sufficient force to lift the pawl 198 and it will engage the stop plate 201 during the rearward reach of the arm 191. Such engagement, as noted previously, causes latch assembly 202 to rotate which, in turn, allows shaft 175 to rotate through one tooth in the rachet assembly 208. Such rotation effectively increases the working length of cables 176 and the platform will be lowered correspondingly. During the next cycle, the sucker assembly will not rest upon the paper, the bearing member 212 will strike right angle pivot 210 and the rachet mechanism will be disabled until, again, the stack is built up sufficiently to require that the platform be lowered another step.

Upon completion of the particular slicing sequence, the platform may be raised to its starting position by rotating crank 213, which, through any type of well-known rachet mechanism, may be caused to rotate shaft 175 to wind cable 176 back up and, thus, raise the platform to its initial position. It may be desirable, for example, to raise the platform prior to removing the slit sections of the stock from the apparatus for further processing.

During a particular operational cycle, the operator may not correctly align the stock with the stop 22 on feedboard 21 prior to the commencement of delivery reciprocation by the feed table 30. In this particular case, the sensing ports 23 will not be covered and the vacuumstat 26 will sense this fact. Therefore, neither the knife actuation solenoid 107 or the sucker assembly solenoid 160 will be activated. While the stock will still be carried through the machine, it will not be ruined by being slit in the wrong place, since the knives will not bear thereagainst. Similarly, it will not be engaged by the sucker assemblies 126 since the lower movement of the carriage 120 will be restricted by override assembly 150. This restriction, of course, results from the inactivation of solenoid 160 which, in the embodiment illustrated, also depends upon the initial proper alignment of the stock. In this particular situation, as the table 31 begins its traverse movement to the left as viewed in FIG. 3, the forward edge of the stock will abut the rearward edge of detents 83 and the sheet merely drop onto platform wherefrom it may be removed by the operator for rerunning through the slitter mechanism.

FIG. 15 shows a slightly modified form of the invention wherein the sucker override assembly solenoid is activated by a separate vacuumstat 221 arranged to sense the presence or absence of a sheet over the ports 34 in reciprocating table assembly 30. In this particular case, vacuumstat 26 connected to the alignment ports 23 in the feedboard activates only the knife assembly if proper alignment has been achieved. Activation of the sucker assembly or, rather, deactivation of the sucker assembly override system 150, is dependent upon all of the apertures 34 in the table 31 being covered by the stock. The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 would prevent, for example, the sucker assembly from coming down and engaging the feedboard with resultant damage to the sucker cups 127 in the event that the sheet fouled in the knife or stop assemblies subsequent to the sensing of proper alignment thereof by vacuumstat 26'. On the other hand, with the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 it is necessary that those ports 34 positioned along lateral sections of the feedboard 31, which are not being utilized because of the width of the particular stock being operated upon, be covered during set up of the machine for a particular slitting operation. The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 has the additional disadvantage that if the ink on the material is wet, it may be damaged by contact with the sucker cups 127 at the wrong position. The preferred embodiment will depend, of course, on the particular operating environment.

By rotating crank 27 (see FIG. I) the entire feedboard assembly 20 may be laterally repositioned across the forward end of the machine. The existence of this adjustment enables the machine to be set up for a particular run where the knives and sucker assemblies are already positioned at the correct spacing, but are not in the correct position with respect to the edge of the stock. This adjustment, additionally, provides a means whereby minor discrepancies in the original machine set up may be corrected.

While a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described in detail along with a minor modification thereof, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments may be conceived and fabricated without departing from the spirit of this specification and the accompanying drawings. Such other embodiments are to be deemed as included within the scope of the following claims unless these claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.

Iclaim:

1. In an apparatus for processing sheets of paper and the like in which, during at least a portion of the cycle, the sheets are positioned on a tablelike member, the improvement comprising: a carriage mounted within said apparatus for reciprocation into and out of operative relationship with said tablelike member; and at least one sucker assembly mounted on said carriage for reciprocation therewith, said sucker assembly having vacuum cup means associated therewith adapted to contact and seize the sheet on said tablelike member as said carriage reciprocates into operative relationship therewith; means for withdrawing said tablelike member away from said carriage after the sheet has been seized by said vacuum cup means, said table sliding out from under said sheet during said withdrawal; and means for preventing said cup means from reciprocating into operative relationship with respect to said tablelike member in the event the sheet is not properly aligned thereon whereby said cup means will not seize the surface of said tablelike member and be mutilated during withdrawal thereof.

2. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein said last mentioned means includes sheet responsive vacuum sensor means positioned to sense the presence of a properly aligned sheet, and operably associated with said carriage means for control thereof. 

1. In an apparatus for processing sheets of paper and the like in which, during at least a portion of the cycle, the sheets are positioned on a tablelike member, the improvement comprising: a carriage mounted within said apparatus for reciprocation into and out of operative relationship with said tablelike member; and at least one sucker assembly mounted on said carriage for reciprocation therewith, said sucker assembly having vacuum cup means associated therewith adapted to contact and seize the sheet on said tablelike member as said cArriage reciprocates into operative relationship therewith; means for withdrawing said tablelike member away from said carriage after the sheet has been seized by said vacuum cup means, said table sliding out from under said sheet during said withdrawal; and means for preventing said cup means from reciprocating into operative relationship with respect to said tablelike member in the event the sheet is not properly aligned thereon whereby said cup means will not seize the surface of said tablelike member and be mutilated during withdrawal thereof.
 2. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein said last mentioned means includes sheet responsive vacuum sensor means positioned to sense the presence of a properly aligned sheet, and operably associated with said carriage means for control thereof. 